Art Creation Theory 29 "The Appeal of Kitamura Museum of Art"

History and Background of the Kitamura Museum of Art

The Kitamura Museum of Art was established in 1975 (Showa 50) as the Kitamura Bunka Foundation, a public interest incorporated foundation, to pass on the collection of Kitamura Kinjiro to future generations, and opened in 1977 (Showa 52). The building was designed by architect Tomiya Hiroyasu, and faces the Daimonji Temple, on the west bank of the Kamo River where the Kamo River and Takano River join, a place that was highly praised by Rai Sanyo as "a place where the mountains are purple and the water is clear." The tranquil atmosphere of this location and Kitamura's refined aesthetic sense are beautifully combined, deeply moving visitors.

Kinjiro Kitamura and his collection

Although Kitamura Kinjiro comes from an old family that has been involved in forestry for generations in the Yoshino region of Nara Prefecture, he had an unwavering passion for the tea ceremony and ancient art, and together with his wife, he collected a collection of exquisite items.

  • Tea Ceremony Utensils <br>The utensils used in actual tea ceremonies, such as tea bowls and inkstone cases, are all masterpieces carefully selected by Kitamura as a tea master.
  • Paintings, Calligraphy and Hanging Scrolls The museum's collection includes many works that were intended to be hung on the floor during tea ceremonies, such as the portrait of Fujiwara no Nakafumi (a fragment from the Satakehon Thirty-six Immortal Poets) and Yosa Buson's "Kite Crow."
  • Other Art Pieces <br>The diverse lineup includes ancient Japanese calligraphy, ceramics, and metalwork from various eras, as well as art pieces from around the world, including China, Korea, Southeast Asia, and Europe, and is regarded as having extremely high historical and artistic value.

Important Cultural Property Buson's ink and paper painting with light colors on a pair of scrolls depicting a kite and a crow

Important Cultural Property Oribe Pine Bark Diamond Shaped Hand Bowl

Important Cultural Property: Tea bowl with colored rinha pattern by Ninsei

Seto Autumn Grass Pattern Vase by Rosanjin

Kojidai beef incense tray with sun engraved inscription ``Heaven''

The charm of the neighboring "Shikunshien"

Next to the Kitamura Museum of Art is the Shikunshien tea garden and tea house, which is housed in the former Kitamura residence.

  • Architecture and Origin <br>The sukiya-style building is a masterpiece of Showa-era sukiya architecture, and its name, which comes from the four noble elements of nature - chrysanthemum, bamboo, plum, and orchid - embodies Kitamura's prayer for dignity and elegance.
  • A treasure trove of stone artworks <br>There are around 60 different stone artworks on display, including a stone lantern with the date 1237 (the 3rd year of the Kasei era), an octagonal stone lantern from the Kamakura period, and a pagoda known as the Crane Tower, all of which are valuable items designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
  • Open to the public <br>Spaces within Shikunshien that function as tea ceremonies, such as the teahouse "Kanda" and the main tearoom "Chinsanren," are open to the public for certain periods in spring and autumn, allowing visitors to experience the world of the good old tea ceremony.

Access Information

Address: 448 Kajiicho, Kawaramachi Imadegawa Shimo, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, 602-0841

Access

  • About 10 minutes walk from Keihan Electric Railway "Demachiyanagi Station"
  • Approximately 20 minutes walk from Imadegawa Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line

summary

Many people who have actually visited the museum have left reviews filled with emotion and surprise, such as "This is a must-see museum for tea ceremony lovers" and "The tranquil and beautiful tea room of Shikunshien makes you forget the passage of time." In particular, the tea utensils and hanging scrolls carefully selected by Kitamura, as well as the traditional beauty of the architecture and stonework of Shikunshien, seem to leave a deep impression on visitors. It is not just a museum, but a place to disseminate living traditional culture, filled with Kitamura Kinjiro's passion for tea ceremony and art. The space, which harmonizes the traditional aesthetic sense with the tea room and Shikunshien, where you can feel the charm of the four seasons, provides a spiritually enriching experience for all visitors. Combined with the charming streets of Kyoto, we hope you will visit the Kitamura Museum of Art and experience the charm of Shikunshien. We hope that you will enjoy the tranquil yet passionate world of Japanese beauty and tea to your heart's content at the Kitamura Museum of Art.

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